Terrell Eldorado Owens (born December 7, 1973), known as T.O., is a former professional football wide receiver who played 15 seasons in the NFL. Ranked as one of the greatest wide receivers, Owens is third in NFL history for career receiving yards and touchdowns.
After playing college football for the Chattanooga Mocs, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1996. Owens later played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, earning six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro selections.
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Table of Contents
Terrell Owens Net Worth
Terrell Owens has a net worth of $500,000. He played in the NFL from 1996 to 2010, briefly returning in 2012, earning $80 million in salary and endorsements. However, by 2011, Owens was financially broke, revealing in court that he had no monthly income but expensive obligations.
He was required to pay nearly $60,000 a month in child support for four women, along with $63,000 for their housing. His Georgia home was in foreclosure, and he moved into a girlfriend’s apartment in Los Angeles.
Early life
Terrell Owens was born to Marilyn Heard and her neighbor L.C. Russell in Alexander City, Alabama. At 10, he discovered his father’s identity when he developed a crush on his sister. Raised by his mother and grandmother alongside three siblings, Owens grew up watching football, inspired by his favorite player, Jerry Rice.
His grandmother initially forbade him from playing sports until high school. At Benjamin Russell High School, Owens participated in football, baseball, track, and basketball, not starting on the football team until his junior year.
Career
Terrell Owens was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1996, with his first touchdown on October 20, 1996, against the Cincinnati Bengals. He later signed a $49 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004 but played through injury in Super Bowl XXXIX.
After leaving the Eagles, Owens played for the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, and briefly in the Indoor Football League. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, finishing his career with 1,078 receptions and 153 touchdowns.
Personal life
Terrell Owens has two daughters and two sons. In September 2011, he was sued by Melanie Paige Smith III for unpaid child support, but the case was settled. Owens explained that missed payments were due to his declining NFL wages, a situation Smith was aware of.
His daughter, Kylee, plays volleyball at Prairie View A&M University, and his son, Terique, is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. Owens, a Christian, was raised in the faith and baptized. In October 2023, he was hit by a car in Calabasas, but was uninjured.
What happened to Terique Owens?
Terique Owens was waived by the San Francisco 49ers due to a hand fracture, which will require 5 to 7 weeks of recovery. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, unless Owens reaches an injury settlement with the team, he will be required to spend the entire 2024 season on the injured reserve (IR).
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Conclusion
Terrell Owens’ journey from a celebrated NFL star to navigating life beyond the gridiron is a tale of triumphs and challenges. His legacy in the NFL is undeniable, but his financial and personal struggles post-retirement serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of sports fame and fortune. Owens’ story is a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.
FAQs about Terrell Owen’s Net Worth
- What are Terrell Owens’ career highlights? Owens is known for his six Pro Bowl selections and five first-team All-Pro honors.
- How did Terrell Owens lose his wealth? Owens’ wealth diminished due to poor financial decisions, investments, and personal expenditures.
- Is Terrell Owens in the Hall of Fame? Yes, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Did Owens ever play in the Super Bowl? Yes, he played in Super Bowl XXXIX with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- What legacy does Terrell Owens leave in the NFL? Owens is remembered as one of the greatest wide receivers, known for his impressive stats and unique touchdown celebrations.
